Round smartwatches more popular than square wearables says retailer

Smartwatches are the latest tech trend and with manufacturers still fleshing out exactly what they should be, they are popping up in all manner of shapes and sizes.

According to one leading high street retailer, however, round-faced smartwatches – such as the Moto 360 – are already proving more popular with consumers than their square-faced counterparts – like the Samsung Gear Live.

“More consumer interest is being directed at round smartwatches,” Will Jones, a Tablets and Computing Buyer with John Lewis said speaking with TrustedReviews.

He added: “Whether that’s round as a traditional watch or it’s a rounded edge, I think with wearables people want fashion and technology to really come together.”

According to the John Lewis buyer, one reason square watches are falling short with consumers, is that people “don’t want to look like they’re wearing a computer on their wrist.”

He told us: “I think having something that does a great job and adds to peoples’ lives also needs to look good and look like a watch.

“I think we will see a lot of new designs come through, and I think we will see them more looking like watches than phones.

“People don’t want to look like they’re wearing a computer on their wrist.”

Despite consumers veering towards round-faced smartwatches, Jones has predicted that the square Apple Watch will buck the trend and dominate the market.

“The Apple Watch is square-ish, but it has so many curved edges that it gives it the sense that it’s still very true to the watch,” he said of the device unveiled alongside the iPhone 6 earlier this week.

“I think keeping the crown is very clever too because it again it alludes to this still bring a watch and not a computer.”

Are you thinking of jumping on the smartwatch bandwagon? Will a square or rounded device be taking your money? Let us know via the comments section below.

Unlike other sites, we thoroughly review everything we recommend, using industry standard tests to evaluate products. We’ll always tell you what we find. We may get a commission if you buy via our price links.
Tell us what you think – email the Editor